Job Opportunity: Science Manager, Species Discovery & Sequencing

• Sequencing: Lead and manage the coordination of sequencing of samples post field expeditions, often with a network of suppliers or academics in host nations and/or globally and managing protocols (including creating databases for specific components such as optimum PCR conditions and most useful primers etc).
• Data: Lead and manage the collection and input (with quality assurance) of sequencing data into Ocean Census Species Data Management System (with Data Coordinator) – and subsequently direct to OC Cyber-biodiversity System; Works with data partners, UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), to ensure all sequence data related to Ocean Census is securely stored and can be equitably accessed.
• Legal Compliance: Responsible for ensuring that all practices, specimens and data within Ocean Census is compliant with Nagoya and other national and international law and treaties.
• Planning / Risk: Support in science planning, risk management and documentation, engagement and collaboration during Ocean Census events and / or with partners as it relates to sequencing activities.
• Extraction / Sequencing Protocols: Responsible for managing, updating and sharing Ocean Census protocols around tissue and specimen archiving for voucher specimens and other related sequencing protocols in collaboration with other organisations and in line with best practice.
• Data Archiving: Responsible for submission of DNA sequencing data to international databases for archiving purposes.
• Leading Taxonomic Workshops under the guidance of the Science Manager (Taxonomy) as Ocean Census Representative (other Workshops led by Science Manager (Network & Awards) and Science Manager (Taxonomy).

• Spokesperson for Ocean Census species discovery activities – including presenting results arising from Ocean Census to scientists, policymakers and the public.
• Communications: Contribute to communications activities when requested by science management and / or communications department.
• Line Management: Data Coordinator
• Reporting: contributing to reporting for Annual Reports, Board Reports and other papers, including where needed direct reports.

• Line Management: Data Coordinator and Sequencing Coordinator
• Data: Responsible for development of pathways for input of DNA sequences to appropriate DNA sequence databases.
• Expedition support: Coordinate, contribute to and / or participate in science planning for Ocean expeditions (including writing science plans, science permit applications, science team selection and management (with Science Manager (Science Network)), science risk management and participation in field operations.
• Innovation: Works with colleagues and to generate new ideas / approaches to accelerate species discovery.
• Partnership development: Support Ocean Census Head of Science to develop new partners that support the acceleration of the discovery of ocean life, notably sequencing, imaging and machine learning.

ESSENTIAL:

• Passionate / enthusiastic molecular biologist with at least 5+ years postdoctoral experience.
• Proven experience of management (projects, teams, budgets, reporting) specifically related to sequencing and species discovery and multinational teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to lead activities with partners (including at Taxonomic Workshops) with the ability to be confident in communicating with people at all levels and from different cultures, in order to build good working relationships across the organisation and with partners.
• Familiar with the use of DNA sequence editing software and molecular phylogenetics software and able to undertake advanced sequence quality control.
• Confident with data management systems, Microsoft Excel, including formulas, lookups, and pivot tables.
• IT literate with good knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications.
• Able to work using their own initiative as well as being able to follow direction from the Head of Science and other members of the team.
• Highly organised, and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple areas of work.
• Experience of data management.
• This role may require a high level of physical fitness due to the demands of expedition work and candidates will need to be able to pass an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to undertake aspect of the role.
• Able to undertake remote fieldwork and lead taxonomic workshops internationally.

DESIRABLE:

• Experience in managing the distribution and logistics of biological specimens for sequencing including knowledge of Nagoya Protocols and other relevant regulations.
• A strong network of collaborative scientists in relevant areas of research.
• Experience of working with logistics and insurance.
• Located in the Oxford area or able to locate there.
• Valid UK driving license.